People all over the U.S. and abroad enjoy watching a good game of basketball, especially during basketball season. For some, it does not matter if they watching a college game in the stands or the NBA playoffs on television. A good game of basketball is always exciting and a good way to pass the time by on the weekends. Though basketball is considered to be a fun active game, it is important to note that players injure themselves all of the time. This is one of the main reasons why players should always protective gear like a knee sleeves. By wearing special gear, players can avoid certain injuries.

With that being said, here are The 5 Most Common Basketball Injuries and How to Prevent Them.

1. Foot/Ankle Injuries

As previously stated, basketball is an exciting game that people like to watch in person and on television. However, as the games become more engaging and competitive, the potential for injury rises too. One, injury, in particular, is the foot/ankle injury since it is high on the list of the most commonly known and experienced. For instance, according to various sports reports, the foot/ankle injuries is reported as being the worst of all offenders. This is because these injuries can be caused by several different common activities during the game, including players being accidentally stepped on or someone being hit in the scramble trying to get the ball. In either case, these types of situations naturally lend itself to foot and ankle injuries.

Preventing these injuries is not always easy but there are some precautions that can be taken. To make sure a player is well prepared for these incidents, they should make sure that they are always wearing the appropriate gear. For instance, all athletes must wear good quality athletic shoes and an ankle brace to support, stabilize and protect it from injury.

2. Knee Injuries

Aside from foot/ankle injuries, players should also pay close attention to the possibilities of suffering from a knee injury too. During these types of sports players are often subject to damage caused by ACL tears from high impact activities. To prevent these type of injuries, players should always work to build and strengthen their muscles before the game. Also, as an added element of defense, players should wear the proper knee brace support before they hit the courts.

3. Hip/Thigh Injuries

Sometimes people focus on knee and ankle injuries when they are preparing for the game. However, this focus should not eliminate the possibility of a hip or thigh injury occurring. In fact, players are often wide open for these kinds of injuries when they are jumping, rebounding, pivoting and jumping during these sports. Unfortunately, as the actions become more aggressive, the possibilities of a hip or thigh injury being experienced is higher. Since all of these activities place extra strain on the legs and the hips, the player can leave the court with bruises and hip strains from overextending their ligaments and their muscles. To minimize the possibilities of these injuries occurring, warming up for the game normally involves stretching out the hips and the thighs prior to leaving for the courts.

4. Head/Face Injuries

Though no one likes to be hit in the face, playing basketball increases the likelihood of these events occurring. In fact, players will eventually get hit in the face with the ball during all of the scramblings that occurs. Whether embarrassed on in a lot of pain, these injuries are considered to be imminent. More importantly, however, other than watching out, it is best to take these events seriously to ensure a hit in the head does not lead to a concussion.

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You Contribute to Local Economy

One of the best reasons to buy from local businesses is that you support the local economy. Local business owners hire mostly local residents and these employees depend on the money you give the business as a shopper. When local businesses suffer, employees lose jobs and this causes economic problems in the community.

They Add Sustainability to Community

We are moving towards sustainability in many cities, and local businesses are a part of this. For example, local vendors who sell their freshly grown produce at the Farmers Market make it possible for residents and business owners to reduce their carbon footprint by not having to ship these items from out of town. In addition, local businesses are important in areas that are highly walkable and bike-friendly.

The Service is Great

One reason why you often receive friendly service at local businesses is because the owners take pride in their companies and they value their customers. You don’t always get this service at the major retailers.

There is the Cool Vibe of Local Culture

When you walk in a local business, you often get a feel for that city’s culture. In a New Orleans grocery store, you might see advertisements that employ Cajun or Creole slang terms. You might also hear jazz, funk and other styles of music from local artists. It is this vibe that makes local businesses worth visiting.

Better Prices

Depending on where you shop, you can get items at better prices than the major retailers. If you shop at local thrift stores and consignment shops, you could land all kinds of bargains and save a lot of money. Local restaurants also offer weekly or daily specials for patrons.

You Learn More About Your City

Another cool thing about local businesses is that you learn more about your community. If you and the kids visit a local chocolate factory, they learn about the history of the company and what it means to the city overall. Or if you visit the local football team’s hall of fame center, you will get an idea of why the team is so loved by the community.

They Inspire More Entrepreneurship

When some residents see the success of local businesses, they start to think big and brainstorm for business ideas. Residents who can offer innovative products and services will take the initiative and create these products for the benefit of the community.

Catalyst for Participation in Local Politics

The good thing about local businesses is that business owners are up to date on local politics and how this affects them and the community at large. If the city plans to build a new bridge that could threaten access to thriving businesses in the area, local business owners might join forces with residents to voice their disapproval.

Nonprofits Benefit from Local Businesses

Some local businesses are affiliated with local nonprofit organizations, and when you shop at these businesses, you fund worthy causes. But even if the businesses are not connected to a nonprofit, they support in different ways. A local business might donate items to a fundraising event that would help the organization. Or a business might donate part of its profits to an organization

Better Expertise

What is the difference between a chain store that sells certain items and the local business who only sells this kind of product? At the chain stores the salesperson might be able to explain what the product is, but the local owner can explain it in detail. This is because local business owners are experts in what they sell, and they are passionate about it..

In conclusion, shopping from local businesses has several benefits. If you are looking for the newest businesses in your area, the city’s chamber of commerce is a great place to start. Local newscasts also sometimes announce new businesses.